What is a reasonable price for a Singer 401? I see lots of 'em on E-bay with a wide range of prices? I would really like one of 2 of these machines, ! for me &1 fro the girl I mentor!!

I got mine from the Goodwill store and I paid $50. Mine was in the cabnet with all of the goodies. The 401 is a real workhorse.

I think you can find them for around $50. Great machine, don't forget the 301. Another great machine that can be found reasonably.

OK then the E-Bay prices are way high! I have more questions!
* How many decorative stitches does it have without the cams?

* How are it's straight stitches?

* Is it good for piecing?

* What do you guys use it for?

* How good is it for SID or FMQ?

* Does it sew through denim?

Thanks in advance for all the info ya'll provide!!:)

I think 7 stitches ( going from memory so I could be wrong here) without the cams, sews a perfect straight stitch, great for SID, haven't tried it out for FMQ yet, sews great through denim, great for piecing. I mostly use this machine to play with and piecing. I have the Singer 500 and 503 so they all use the same cams. I mostly use the 500 & 503 for the fancy stitches. I have 15 sewing machines so I have way too many toys to play with so it takes me a while to figure out everything out on that machine.

The biggest warning about buying machines on eBay is to make sure the seller knows what they're doing in packing them. Some arrive smashed because they were simply put in a box and shipped.
They have to be packed securely inside the box-not in styrofoam peanuts but wrapped in bubble wrap and stuffed in with cardboard until you cannot budge it inside the box. Then have it double boxed.
The packing has to be done as if you expect it to be dropped off a 20 foot cliff.
And make sure the seller insures it!

I got mine at thrift store for 47.00.

what is the difference in the 301 and the 401? I have heard that everyone really wants the 301..like a FEatherweight, but larger for FMQ....they are not cheap even on ebay now!

Good information about the packing....thanks

Ok, just went and counted decorative stitches on mine, there are 27 without cams and you can do variations by moving the red lever.

I wish I could find reasonably say $50 or less...but have you seen them on ebay lately...over $300 for a good one in a nice case with goodies!

Thanks Guys! I knew that you guys would have the info that I need! 27 stitches! WOW! I'm going to start looking hard around here for 2 of these!!
(I just reread my first post & can't believe all my typos. I've got to proofread better!!)

Can I make another vintage suggestion? The Necchi super nova's from the same era. I find the 401 & 500 Singers to be nice machines, but the Necchi's are fabulous machines. A friend runs a costume business and will have no other sewing machine. Strong, quiet, and beautiful stitches.
Judi